Boating Industry Tracks 2010 Legislative Session

As most of you are aware, the 60-day 2010 Washington State Legislative Session began on Monday. NMTA's lobbyist, Cliff Webster, will reside in Olympia for the duration of the session and will track and comment on legislation on behalf of our 550 members in Washington State.

Yesterday, Governor Gregoire delivered her State of the State address. To read the details of her delivery you can see yesterday's Seattle Times article, however because the session is all about balancing the state budget through spending cuts, new taxes or an additional infusion of federal funds, these three sentences from the article summarize her speech on these matters:

1) She wants a “responsible, balanced approach of painful cuts and new revenues” to close the state’s $2.6 billion budget gap.

2) She will deliver a budget proposal to the legislature later that relies on $750 million in new revenue and $1 billion in cuts.

3) The new revenue will come from a mix of federal aid and (unspecified) new taxes.

This all means that the NMTA government affairs team will have to work diligently to see that no new taxes are raised on the backs of our businesses or the thousands of boaters who enjoy this pasttime. (The industry is suffering enough under economic duress.) As the boating industry in 2008 was responsible for over 6,500 jobs and $23.9 million in sales tax revenue, we hope to ensure that the State Legislature will tread delicately when it comes to recreational boating.

Promote your appearance at the Seattle Boat Show!

The most effective way to build Seattle Boat Show attendance is by promoting your exhibit at the show directly to your customers and clients. We’ve created a small banner that you can place on your company website that links to the show and encourages visitors to purchase tickets. To view and download the banner to place on your website, click on http://www.seattleboatshow.com/index.cfm?p=Exhibitors-Link

ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK OR TWITTER?
Become a Fan of the Seattle Boat Show on Facebook (http://facebook.seattleboatshow.com/) or start Following us on Twitter (http://Twitter.com/SeattleBoatShow). Plus, if your own business is on Facebook or Twitter, we’re looking for ways to connect online so please send a note to John Thorburn at john@seattleboatshow.com with a link to your Facebook or Twitter page.

NMTA Annual Meeting Invitation

The 2009 NMTA Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, December 10 at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle. Invitations were e-mailed to all NMTA members this week and I hope you can attend. For the first time members will register on-line by using this link Annual Meeting Registration

Our speaker this year is Phil Keeter, President of the Marine Retailers Association of America. The MRAA was formed in 1971 and is the leading advocate for boat dealers in the country. The recession is changing the manufacturer – dealer relationship and I am looking forward to hearing from Phil first hand if he thinks these changes are permanent and also what his members are doing to prepare for the upcoming boat show season.

At the MOHAI we will have hors d'oeuvres and a hosted bar with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks for members and their guests. In addition to Phil’s comments I will do my first NMTA “annual review” for members.

Click here for directions to and information about the MOHAI http://www.seattlehistory.org/

3rd Quarter Boat Sales data now available

The 3rd Quarter Boat Sales data for Washington State has been posted to the Members Only section of the website. Thanks to Bob Goodwin of the University of Washington Sea Grant program for compiling the reports from the Department of Licensing.

The Members Only Section contains boat sales data for the state dating back to July 2002.

The full reports can be viewed here.
Or to view a sample report, click here.

Register for the Northwest Marina Conference - Program available online

A complete program is now available for the 2009 Annual Northwest Marina Conference, scheduled for November 3 - 4 at the Lake Washington Rowing Club in Seattle.

We have a fantastic line-up of speakers and topics. Tuesday's event concentrates on dealing with the latest environmental concerns and how to be proactive in meeting these challenges. Wednesday's program has a range of topics that intend to provide marina owners and operators with tools for making your business profitable and dynamic, even during a recession.

Discounted accomodations can be had at the Lake Union Courtyard Marriott, a ten minute drive from the conference location, for just $149 per night. To make reservations call 1-800-321-2211.

Attendees of the conference should also join us for Marina Conference Happy Hour in downtown Fremont from 5:00 - 6:30 pm after our program on Tuesday, to network and make merry.

To view detailed program information and to register, visit http://www.nmta.net/events/memberevents.asp.

2010 Seattle Boat Show Adjusted Late Rate

There is strong demand for the 2010 Seattle Boat Show and we are signing up new exhibitors on a daily basis. As of today the NMTA has received 321 applications with a 50% deposit for the 2010 Seattle Boat Show. You can go to http://www.seattleboatshow.com/ for the exhibitor list. (We update the list every Friday, which will reflect the increase to 321 exhibitors).

Last week the NMTA Board of Trustees and the Boat Show Committee determined to make the following one-time, this year only, adjustments to the 2010 Seattle Boat Show space rental rates and application dates:

On or before August 31, 2009:
Application Fee: $265 Rate: $6.45

On or before October 16, 2009:
Application Fee: $365 Rate: $6.95

On or after October 17, 2009:
Application Fee: $365 Rate: $8.20

This decision was made in order to provide a gradual transition into the full late rate ($8.20/SqFt) for our members that have expressed an interest in displaying in the show, but have not been able to make the deadline for various reasons. At the same time, we want to be fair to the NMTA members that made the on-time deadline of August 31st and maintain the financial incentive of meeting the on-time deadline.

If you would like to exhibit in the 2010 Seattle Boat Show, but have not yet submitted an application or deposit, please call me at 206-634-0911 or e-mail: brad@nmta.net.

Big Winners at the Golf Tournament

Thank you to everyone who attended the NMTA Golf Tournament! We had over 60 golfers and raised nearly $4,000 for the PAC.

The team from Robinson Maurer Welts was the big winner of the day followed by the team from Smoker Craft Boats. Natascha Robinson from First & Goal won the Long Drive and Chris White hit closest to the pin. Jamie Eik won the putting contest followed by Steve Saunders and Peter Wagner.

Thank you again to HUB International NW for sponsoring the barbecue lunch and to Elliott Bay Marina and Robinson Maurer Welts for sponsoring the drink cart. We’d also like to thank First & Goal for donating 4 club seats to an upcoming Seahawks game for our raffle.

Looking forward to seeing you all again next September!

Industry concern over proposed orca whale regulations

You may have heard the buzz about a recent proposal by NOAA Fisheries to create a recreational no-go zone along the West side of San Juan Island – and during prime summer fishing months, no less.

At the end of July, NOAA released potential new rules on vessel traffic, aimed at further protecting Southern Resident killer whales in Puget Sound. The rules include a half-mile-wide recreational vessel-free zone along the west side of San Juan Island from May 1 through the end of September. It also increases the allowable vessel distance from whales, to 200 yards (from 100). For detailed information, you can visit the NOAA website.

What is NMTA's position? Our association represents many interests; they include people whose livelihood depends on the continued existence of great fishing opportunities. We also have members who believe that the regulations may not go far enough, as the proposed rule exempts commercial fishing, cargo and government vessels. Based on the feedback I have received from our members, I can accurately say this:

First, that NMTA supports the protection of the Puget Sound orca whale population and reasonable, enforceable efforts to ensure an increase in their health and numbers.

Second, that a closure along San Juan island would have huge negative economic impacts on the recreational fishing and boating industries. Many members feel that there is not substantial enough evidence to prove that the presence of recreational vessels along San Juan island, engaged in low-wake activity (like fishing, paddling, or cruising), has a detrimental impact on orca whales.

What do you think? Respond with your comments. You can also get engaged with this topic by attending one of three public hearings:

• Sept. 24, 2009, 7-9 p.m., Pier One Main Warehouse, 100 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, Wash.
• Sept. 30, 2009, 7-9 p.m., Seattle Aquarium, Pier 59, Seattle, Wash.
• Oct. 5, 2009, 7-9 p.m., The Grange Hall, First Street, Friday Harbor, Wash.

Evening Promotions planned for Seattle Boat Show

Yesterday, members of the Boat Show Committee met with NMTA staff and the Tip Top Creative team to begin planning weeknight promotions at the 2010 Seattle Boat Show. Attendance decreases after about 4 pm on Monday through Thursday of the show, so the committee and staff are exploring ways to build fun attractions and promotions to drive an evening crowd.

The promotions will largely be focused on drawing an Over-21 crowd, with different demographics or segments of the boating community being targeted on different nights of the week. The committee is also looking at ways to address the ongoing complaint from attendees that food/dinner options within Qwest Field Event Center are over-priced and low-quality. Stay tuned for updates on these new evening-focused promotions!

40th Annual NMTA Golf Tournament

This year we are hosting the 40th Annual NMTA Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 24th at Mill Creek Country Club for our members to enjoy a day of relaxation, some friendly competition and an opportunity to network with each other. It is exciting to be part of such a long-standing tradition!

To keep it fresh and fun for our members, we made a few adjustments to the schedule and added some exciting features and sponsors.

We are getting an earlier start this year so set your alarms! Check in opens at 8 am followed by a putting contest at 9 am hosted by Pacific Power Products. We are hitting the greens with a shotgun start at 10 am sharp.

Elliott Bay Marina is hosting a second drink cart this year so you’ll never be empty handed. Each player will get one complimentary alcoholic and one complimentary non-alcoholic drink.

And instead of the traditional banquet dinner, there is an afternoon barbecue of hamburgers, hot dogs and grilled chicken, with salads, sides and desserts sponsored by HUB International.

We have all of the traditional awards – a hole-in-one cash prize on the 9th hole and long-drive, closest-to-the-pin and team prizes.

Cost per player is $135 and you can print out the registration form, and even sign-up a four-some, by clicking on http://www.nmta.net/PDF/09_Golf_Reg.pdf.

We hope you can be part of this fun, annual member event!

Members earn discount on ABYC training

Registration is open for marine technicians training courses offered through ABYC beginning next month and running through February 2010.

NMTA members can enroll in four separate ABYC courses that will be held in Seattle. Members earn a discount price from the standard ABYC rate! The complete course offerings are:

• ABYC Marine Corrosion Certification
  October 20-23, 2009
  
  
• ABYC Marine Systems Certification
  December 15-18, 2009
  
  
• ABYC Electrical Certification
  February 2-5, 2010
  
  
• ABYC Basic Electrical Course
  February 17-19, 2010
  

Space is limited and early registration provides even greater discounts! Click here for details and online registration.

NMTA wraps up summer Grow Boating effort

Labor Day marks the conclusion of NMTA’s 2009 Grow Boating campaign that enjoyed success on several fronts. The summer campaign consisted of two elements:

1. Giveaway the use of a boat to 12 different families for one week each this summer. The boat, an incredible 2009 Cobalt from Seattle Boat Company, was wrapped in KING-TV’s Evening Magazine colors and logo and was promoted in the show’s programming and on the network beginning May 18 and concluding June 13. This past weekend wrapped up the final winner’s time on the water and the whole promotion did its job in effectively gaining exposure for the industry. Not only did nearly 1,500 people enter to win the boat for a week, but the contest drove thousands of new visitors to SeattleBoatShow.com. The boat show website was overhauled last spring, in time for the giveaway kickoff, to include actual boats for sale from member dealers/brokers, and provided visitors to the site easy access to all members who provide accessories and marine services. During the promotional campaign, more than 14,000 visitors went to the website and viewed the more than 2,000 boats that are listed for sale online.
   
   
2. The other element of the summer campaign was providing free sailboat rides as part of NMTA’s sponsorship of the Downtown Sailing Series at Elliott Bay Marina. The boat rides, provided by NMTA members Windworks Sailing Center and Seattle Sailing Club, departed each Thursday of the Series. Throughout the summer, more than 800 people signed up to go for rides and we were able to accommodate nearly 150 of those people and get them on a boat. The strong interest in the sailboat rides was driven by two key news stories on Q13-Fox TV and KING-TV. The best news – we identified hundreds of new people that are interested in getting out on the water! Many of those people attended last month’s Seattle Boat Show at Shilshole Bay Marina where we were offering sailboat rides during the event. In addition to offering free rides on Thursday evenings, NMTA also used the sponsorship of the Downtown Sailing Series to promote the new SeattleBoatShow.com – promoting this new boating resource to the hundreds in attendance each week.

Also wrapping up another successful summer public relations effort is Lisa Samuelson of Samuelson Communications. We’ve worked with Lisa since 2005 and she’s been a tremendous partner in promoting boating to local and regional media.

And finally this Saturday, September 12, the Edmonds Coho Derby marks the last event of the 2009 Northwest Salmon Derby Series – one of NMTA’s first and premier Grow Boating campaigns to promote fishing opportunities in the region. It’s been a very active summer for NMTA with its Grow Boating efforts!

The NMTA Grow Boating fund is guided by the Grow Boating Committee – a volunteer committee of NMTA members. If you’d like to participate in this open committee, the next meeting is this Thursday, September 10 at 1:30 pm; or if you have questions, give me a call at the NMTA office at 206-634-0911.

Salmon Fishing in Central Puget Sound up Dramatically

Yesterday during our Fish Committee meeting I learned some great news about fishing and boating in central Puget Sound. Tony Floor, our Director of Fishing Affairs, reported that according to the WDFW (Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife) angler trips for central Puget Sound are 30% up this year.

Last year the WDFW estimated that from July 16 through the third week of August there were 20,000 angler trips. The estimate this year is 34,000 angler trips! Saltwater salmon fishing is my favorite way to spend time on the water and from what I see the numbers are accurate. Every where I go this year I see more boats at West Point, Jefferson Head and Possession Bar. Nice boats too – fiberglass and aluminum – most probably sold or serviced by NMTA members.

Why are more people fishing? I think it is two reasons. First, a new “mark selective fishery” for hatchery produced Chinook in July and August. In 2006 this fishery didn’t exist and in 2007 and 2008 we had a quota. For 2009 it was a six-week season that closed on August 31. On page 13 of the NMTA business plan our goal is to “increase sport fishing opportunities in the Pacific Northwest” and “increase the number of days that people fish”. Tony Floor works on these goals everyday and especially hard in the spring when the new seasons are negotiated with WDFW during the process called North of Falcon. The second reason is good fishing close to home and lots of fish returning to Puget Sound. Tony and the NMTA have been promoting this to the media all summer long. It’s essential we make available and promote the greatest number of boating opportunities for boaters so that we retain them. In this case it was fishing opportunities and it has really paid off.

Summer Fun at Shilshole Bay Marina

This is it – blog entry number one for the NMTA! What makes a good blog entry is something that has been talked about frequently in our office as the new website was prepared. Authentic is the word that kept coming up.

I can authentically say that I am still enjoying the success that our members had recently at the Seattle Boat Show at Shilshole Bay Marina. Maybe I am hanging onto some good news when good news has been so hard to find in our industry. By some accounts sales were as good as 2004, the last time there was a Seattle Boat Show at Shilshole, but what I really liked about the show was the VIP night.

The VIP night had energy, excitement and most of all it was fun for our staff, exhibitors, and guests. Sunshine, boats, great food and drinks, music from Dave Calhoun all came together for a great night. We printed 5,000 invitations and the 69 exhibitors worked hard to mail those invitations to their best customers and prospects. By the end of the evening, 728 salmon dinners and nearly 1,300 drinks were served thanks to Elliott Bay Marina and Yachtcare, LLC. It was a great night and something to look forward to in 2010.